Albert Schöndorff Bust

Who was the man immortalized in bronze before us? This, my friends, is the Albert Schöndorff Bust. It commemorates a remarkable figure in Düsseldorf’s history. Albert Schöndorff wasn’t just a successful entrepreneur. He was a visionary, a community leader, and a man whose compassion shaped the very landscape of this city. Born in Westheim, Westfalen in 1870, Schöndorff began as a carpenter. He later established a thriving railway wagon factory in Lierenfeld. This factory, the Waggonfabrik Gebr. Schöndorff AG, would become a cornerstone of Düsseldorf’s industrial development. Schöndorff, a man of deep empathy, recognized the housing crisis gripping post-World War I Germany. His workers needed homes, and he was determined to provide them. In 1919, along with 152 of his workers, he founded the Gemeinnütziger Arbeiter-Bauverein “Freiheit” (Non-profit Workers’ Building Association “Freedom”). This association spearheaded the construction of the “Siedlung Freiheit” (Freedom Settlement) in Vennhausen. Imagine rows of newly built homes providing shelter and stability for hundreds of families. This project, initially intended for his factory workers, became a model for affordable housing and laid the foundation for the modern Wohnungsbaugenossenschaft Düsseldorf-Ost (Düsseldorf-East Housing Cooperative). Schöndorff’s contributions extended beyond industry and housing. He served as a city councilor for the Liberal Party from 1912 to 1917, advocating for the well-being of his community. Tragically, Schöndorff’s story took a dark turn with the rise of the Nazis. As a Jewish man, he was forced out of his company in 1933 and later expelled from the housing cooperative. He sought refuge in Amsterdam with his wife, Marie. However, their sanctuary was short-lived. In 1942, they were arrested by the Gestapo and deported to Auschwitz, where they perished. This bust stands as a testament to Schöndorff’s enduring legacy. It is a reminder of his vision, his compassion, and his unwavering commitment to the people of Düsseldorf. As you gaze upon his likeness, remember the man who built homes, shaped a community, and left an indelible mark on this city. The Schöndorffstraße in Lierenfeld, named in his honor in 1952, further solidifies his place in Düsseldorf’s history.